The Situation:Public Speaking*
Jim was the vice president of a Fortune 500 company. He worked up the ranks in the organization and was well respected. Jim was being considered for a senior role in which he would have a seat with the board of directors. However, Jim’s challenge was that he had a difficult time speaking in front of individuals who were not on his team. A senior manager (Jim’s manager’s manager) did not see Jim as a face of the organization. Jim was due to speak at a trade show. He would be speaking for the group on a difficult subject in which he was very knowledgeable. The event was nine months away and so was the promotion.
The Solution/Action Plan:
Jim knew his speaking and presentation skills were a problem. Recognizing the challenge helped Jim because he was very receptive to working with a coach. I personally understood the issue. It took me quite a few years into my work to master speaking in front of a group. My first event was in front of more than 300 women, a few of whom knew me before I began my practice. Jim could relate to my story. We started by videotaping Jim and getting him comfortable with his speaking pattern, word choices, and ability to craft a relevant story to highlight the message he was delivering. Jim also learned how to set up the stage surroundings.
The Outcome:
Jim spoke in Las Vegas to a standing room only crowd on a very dry subject. However, he made it entertaining and wasn’t flustered by problems. Jim was best at answering questions from the crowd. We knew that was his skill set, so the presentation was set up to play to his strengths. A senior member who had never met Jim, saw him, went to his boss’s boss, and asked where they found this star. Jim’s senior manager also was impressed. Jim was promoted soon after and became a key member of the C suite.
*This case happened approximately ten years ago. I am sharing it today because in a virtual business world, speaking to a group has become even more important. Knowing where one’s strengths are, and building upon them, are critical to finding success in all situations.
“Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” Anonymous